Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Shemar Stewart (#4) runs up field during the college football game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas A&M Aggies on September 28, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We’re less than 30 days away from the 2025 NFL Draft, and not much has changed regarding what experts expect from the Detroit Lions: they still anticipate the franchise will select a pass rusher.
The question, however, is which one?
In a draft deep with talent at edge rusher, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart are two names experts have recently mocked to the Lions.
Pearce, a two-time first-team All-SEC honoree, impressed scouts last month at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The 21-year-old defender, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, ran an impressive 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Last season at Tennessee, he recorded 23 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
James Pearce Jr runs a 4.50u at 6’5” | 245 pounds… in a hoodie 😮💨
pic.twitter.com/U1J2K4o2zI— PFF (@PFF) February 27, 2025
Stewart also turned heads with his overall showing at the combine, turning in one of the most impressive RAS scores at his position in nearly 30 years.
Shemar Stewart is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.99 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 3 out of 1802 DE from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, Times unofficial.https://t.co/r9HXsXwSH4 pic.twitter.com/V2jH2WF8EJ
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) February 27, 2025
One outlet, however, sees Detroit going in a different direction, prioritizing depth on the offensive line.
Here’s a roundup of the latest mock drafts from NFL writers across the country.
NFL.com
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
“The Lions worked hard to manufacture edge pressure after Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season in 2024. Pearce was an athletic marvel at the NFL Scouting Combine and will be aimed directly at QBs from Day 1 in Detroit.”
Yahoo
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
“When you don’t have many needs, take a lineman. Banks could immediately compete for a starting spot at right guard and eventually kick out to left tackle later in his career. This offense is built on elite line play, might as well keep the pipeline going.”
Athlon Sports
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
“Even before all of their injuries last year, the Lions already needed an upgrade on the opposite side of the defensive front from Aidan Hutchinson. Green isn’t the most well-rounded prospect in terms of his run defense, but he’s got an explosive first step and gaudy production, leading the FBS in sacks last season.”
Fox Sports
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Trade down from No. 28 with the Philadelphia Eagles
“The Lions could be tempted by a trade-down offer here, as well, but they’re running out of choices at edge rusher. They know they desperately need someone opposite Aidan Hutchinson to take some pressure off him. They also learned last season that they could use some more defensive depth overall. This 6-3, 251-pounder plays with an edge that Dan Campbell is just going to love. It’s a big leap from the level of competition he’s played at, but his ceiling might be high.”
Pro Football Network
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
“Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have made it clear—they draft players they believe in, regardless of public perception. Critics mocked their 2023 draft selections, calling picks like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell reaches. Now, each has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s resurgence.Jackson hasn’t received much first-round hype, but he has aced the offseason circuit. He was dominant at the Senior Bowl, tested exceptionally well at the NFL Combine, and has presented well in meetings so far.
“All of that to go with his impressive film.At 6’7” and 280 pounds, Jackson possesses one of the most physically imposing frames in the 2025 draft class. He recorded 6.5 sacks in 2024, and, despite his length, is highly explosive, showcasing outstanding get-off speed and the ability to bend with power. A high-effort player with relentless pursuit, Jackson has seen his draft stock rise and could creep into the first-round conversation. Jackson looks like a Detroit Lion. Pairing Jackson with Aidan Hutchinson would give Detroit a formidable pass-rushing duo that would quickly rank among the league’s best.”
CBS Sports
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
“Shemar Stewart has incredible athletic potential for a human being of his size but the production has just not been there to this point in his career. He goes to Detroit where he does not have to be the team’s most productive pass rusher immediately since it already has Aidan Hutchinson.”
The 33rd Team
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
“Detroit won’t be able to spend a ton at defensive end in the coming years because of the massive extension Aidan Hutchinson will receive. That leaves the draft as their option to find a complementary piece.James Pearce Jr. is the second-best pure pass-rusher in the class today, and Detroit can overlook his lean frame and some run-game concerns. This is a tremendous value for a speedy, pro-ready threat.”
USA Today
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
“Aidan Hutchinson is coming off a season-ending leg injury. The Lions’ defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front. Stewart has all the traits to be an impactful edge rusher.”
